• Babies don’t need to bathe every day, but it is important to clean the dirt and exposed areas daily.

• This method may be preferred especially in the first week of life.

• Remember exposure to water can quickly drain away the heat from baby and stress them.

• So it is important to be quick and keep warm towels handy all through.

• It is also important to keep the water temperature warm at about 32- 35 degree.

Equipment

• Gloves/ gown

• Changing mat that is clean

• Cotton wool

• Warm water – check by dipping your clean hand

• Soap if needed

• Warm towels

• Clean nappy

Procedure

• Close all the doors and windows of the changing room to keep it warm.

• Wear your gloves and gown

• Place the baby on the changing mat

• Use a clean cloth dipped in the warm water to clean the face and neck. Be gentle

• Rub the soap into your palm and with some water in your palm, gently cleanse the face and neck without getting it in their mouth or eyes.

• Now gently wipe it off with the damp cloth

• Immediately wipe the face with a warm dry cloth

• Now undo the nappy and use the cotton wool dipped in warm water to wipe the bottom.

• Now lifting the baby’s heel with your non-dominant hand, slip a clean nappy under the bottom and do the nappy.